No, I have not gone crazy. (Not yet!) But I do like to take a long walk early in the morning. 7000 steps before breakfast gets me a whole lot closer to my activity goal, and it’s the perfect way to let my mind wander here and there while I enjoy the sights and sounds of morning.
My meandering path through the neighborhood is a great time for letting my mind float around on whatever topic is at hand. Whether it’s work stuff, creative stuff, or just what to make for dinner – a solution is often in hand when I arrive back at the house. Won’t you join me for a stroll?
When I make it out the door early, I get to see the sun coming up over a small slough just 300 steps from my door. This is a favorite nursery spot for local ducks.
The mountain ash tree further down the street is heavy with berries this year. I guess all that rain has been good for something!
I don’t like trying to cross over this highway. Arguing with trucks is not high on my agenda.
Fortunately, the city (or county) had the good sense to install a tunnel for pedestrians and bicyclists. Yay!
In this area, we still have farm fields and homes all mixed together. At some spots, you could swear you are out in the boondocks. Then you turn your head and see a lovely home. It’s nice to live “almost” out of town.
The oaks are dropping their bumper crop of acorns. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to the sound of the acorns hitting the ground (and my head), but I’m working on it.
When I get past the field, I turn onto a street with a Big Hill. This little birdhouse is tucked into one of the gardens along the road. This Big Hill is not exactly mountain climbing, but it’s steep enough that my legs start complaining about halfway up. For a dedicated non-athlete, it’s a good addition to my walk, but not so much that I get stiff and sore.
I love the way the sun hits these poplar trees on the hill. The greens are really intense in spite of the fact that we are near the end of August. They will turn gold soon enough.
The Big Hill is one of those deceptive-looking monsters. It looks like you’re getting to the top, then you see that there’s More. And More.
Woohoo! I’m at the top of the hill and I have reached my turnaround point. Time for a breather before I head back down and back toward home.
Walking back down the hill, I see the gardens that are on the other side of the street. Aren’t these flowers gorgeous?
As I wander back toward home, I pass a long line of crab-apple trees along the edge of a cemetery. They are amazing this year!
For me, 7000 steps is about a 3-mile walk. It’s a winding path, for my feet and my brain. It gives me plenty of time to think, and it puts me in a great mood to start my day. I freely admit that I don’t get out Every Day. But the reward is waiting when I get myself out the door rather than lounging in my chair with a cup of tea.
Your Turn
Do you have a favorite way to let your mind wander freely? Where are you when you get your great ideas? Leave a note — I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Loved your picture. Beautiful walk. Prayers to you and your husband.
Thanx for taking us with you on your walk. Our prayers and best wishes go with you and your husband on this new path in your journey together.
What a beautiful place to walk. I love fall and would love to see those trees which will be turning golden soon. I look forward to the fall and gorgeous colors only God can deliver. My prayers for your husband and yourself.
HI Shelley!
I had to give up running due to knee injuries caused by too many years of marathons. I never realized how much creativity is stimulated when I walk rather than run. I am right there with you, in mind, for a walk first thing in the morning.
My “goal” is 10,000 steps, but I aim and hope for 16,000. What is yours?
Well, I’m new to the 10,000 steps thing, so I’m really happy if I manage that every day. The downside of having my office and studio here in the house is that I don’t “have” to go anywhere but down a single flight of steps. The commute to the office is about 20 seconds long, but it doesn’t do much to budge the step-meter. 🙂
I enjoyed ‘walking’ with you this am, as I enjoy my own much shorter walks.
I’m adding my prayers as I have been down that road.
What a lovely walk you have each morning when you get out & take it! As a kid visiting my great uncle in the summertime in Ohio, we would accompany him on his 5 AM walks down to the bridge over the railroad tracks. It was always so refreshing, crisp & cool early in the morning with birds singing and barely a vehicle, so we just saw nature. I seldom get up early enough these days to go out walking, besides having only one leg, which makes the walking more difficult, but when I do get up & out in the mornings taking in nature & God’s beauty definitely makes for better days. Please post photos of the fall colors later. Blessings to you & your husband.
Thank you all for your warm wishes. I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos – and I truly appreciate your support. Jack and I are well, just having to adjust our thinking about what lies ahead. Enjoy the day.
Don’t know how many steps, but my husband and I walk about an hour every morning with our little dog Charlie leading the way. It’s just the best thing I do for my body and gets me off to a great start. As for life throwing us curve balls, I’ve been there too. I was diagnosed unexpectedly with a brain tumor a couple of years ago, had successful surgery, but it was certainly not a path we expected. All is well now, so I will pray for a good outcome for whatever you are facing at this fork in your road.
Thanks, Nancy. My sister has also recovered well from a massive brain tumor. I’m so glad that both of you have had bonus years. 🙂
Ah, Shelly – your pictures made me homesick! I miss both “Lake Wobegone” and my dear Diva pals…
Here in Scottsdale, Muggsy and I get out at sunrise (about 5:45 a.m. right now) as the temperature is usually in the high 80’s by then and rising fast. But the views are wonderful – egrets, geese and ducks along the lake, bouganvilla, cacti, bicylists, dog walkers and so much more! We all take time to “sniff each other over” and exchange morning greetings. When it starts to cool down, we’ll add another mile loop in the evening. Thinking of you and Jack, and sending lots of good thoughts and prayers. And SO happy to hear your sister is in the clear!
Thank you Jane. It’s lovely to hear from you. Stay cool down there in Scottsdale. We’ll be feeling jealous of your lovely weather come winter… 🙂
Enjoyed the walk. Thank you for sharing. Prayers for you both.
Just a quickie to tell you that I always enjoy your thoughts along the “creative way.” I’m an 80 year old and still kicking, so to speak, but the hills get tougher each day. All my creative hobbies are in my mind to say “solder on” for another day to help me get out the fabric, paint brush, Paint Styks, Gelli Plate and who knows what else. I’m overwhelmed some days, as I know you are as well and have written about, because I have so many ideas in my head that I don’t know where to start next. But I think I would rather be crazy with ideas instead of empty headed sitting in a rocker. Thanks for all the wonderful thoughts and ideas you have sent me. You are really a “wonder.” My prayers go to you and your husband. See you in the next email!